Overview & Reviews

These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement.

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35, both built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car. The G35 distinguished itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 was one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that was rewarding to own and drive. More recently, the G35 was replaced by the G37.

Most Recent Infiniti G35

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35 sedan, although the second generation is essentially the current G37 sedan with a smaller V6 engine. The G35 coupe lasted only one generation (meaning, same body style) before being replaced by the fully redesigned G37 coupe.

The most recent G35 sedan was completely redesigned for 2007. Changes included a stiffer body structure, revised chassis tuning for better handling, a more powerful V6 engine and a more voluptuous take on the previous G's styling. It was more or less the same size as the outgoing model, but the biggest improvement could be found inside, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything was better put together and materials were higher in quality. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, but a six-speed manual came with the 6MT trim. We'd seriously recommend against this transmission (especially on 2007 models) as it was incredibly difficult to drive smoothly.

The sedan was available in five trims: a base model, Journey, x (indicated all-wheel drive), Sport and Sport 6MT. Most Infiniti G35 sedans will be of the Journey variety, which added items like dual-zone automatic climate control and a six-CD changer. The Sport trims were geared toward enthusiasts and featured 18-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steering system was an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims, although we weren't fans of it.

Other than its engine, its name and few other detail changes, the G35 sedan became the G37 sedan for 2009.

Used Infiniti G35 Models

The original Infiniti G35 was introduced for 2003, and was produced in sedan form until 2006 and as a coupe until 2007. Originally, the sedan was available in one trim level until the all-wheel-drive model arrived for '04. The coupe could be had in base or Sport trim. The latter included a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Both sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but the sedan originally made less power (260 hp with four doors, 280 with two doors). They were made even at 280 hp for 2005, and both models when equipped with the six-speed manual option got a boost to 298 hp. These horsepower numbers dropped to 293 and 275, respectively, for the '07 coupe because of a change in SAE testing procedures -- actual output did not, in fact, change.

Other than the myriad engine changes, there were other noteworthy updates made during the first-generation G35's lifetime. The sedan received a new hood, grille, bumpers, side sills and taillights for '05, although it was hardly a revolutionary aesthetic difference. The coupe remained mostly unchanged visually. Inside, though, both benefited from a redesigned instrument panel and improved manual transmission with a lower shifting effort. The coupe gained an optional rear-steer system for 2006, while its Sport Package gained a unique front fascia and a big rear spoiler. Bluetooth arrived on all Gs that year. While the G35 sedan was completely redesigned for '07, the coupe remained the same.

In our reviews, we were quite fond of the original generation Infiniti G35. The sedan was a bargain-priced alternative to the BMW 3 Series, while being a little less frantic and more comfortable than the second-generation G35 and current G37. The coupe was the more practical, livable alternative to Nissan's 350Z -- it was a sports car in luxury clothing. If there was one area of concern, it was an interior filled with several cheap surfaces and some unintuitive controls. Headroom was also quite limited in the coupe. One feature that was welcome, though, was the optional reclining rear seatbacks in the G35 sedan, which made it a top choice for backseat comfort.

User Reviews:

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  ZOOOM! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By cookingdani - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I Love My G35! Fantastically responsive, loves to hug curves, stops on a dime, moves out with little effort. I never hesitate to merge into highway traffic from a complete stop. Stylish, sleek, a real head-turner! Id buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Great Car for the money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Ct Husker - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought one for my wife in Dec. She was driving a 1999 Audi A4 AWD 2.6! This car blows it away (IMHO). More fun to drive, much quicker and goes like He** in the snow. We live in northern CT and had plently of snow this year and it performed flawlessly. As good or better than the A4. I avoided driving the A4 as it felt slugglish, but I admit to now taking her car every chance I get. For the price this car is really hard to beat. I test drove all the other AWD in this class and this was by far the best.

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  I LOVE MY INFINITI !!!!!!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By KATHY B - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Infiniti in April and I just love it, its fun and fast, quality , sleek . Cant say enough , powerful, handles great. First car in my many years of driving that I so enjoy..45 female.

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  Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By hot car - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Best deal for your money, high [erformance, hot little car that feels like a car, acts like a sports car and very reliable...

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  very very nice sport coupe - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By joel - January 27 - 11:26 pm

  i went from a big cadi, prior car was a lexus i am sold on this infinity g35 coupe its just fun to drive its the best new car i have driven in a long time it just has a feel of sporty hot car it compares to cars that cost far more its a great value for the money i have not felt that way about price in a very long time but this cars not only about price and value so far i am 100% satisfied

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  Sooooooo many miles - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Pheeeet - January 26 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my 2005 G coupe in july of this year brand new and can honestly say I hate NOT driving it. I get mad when i go to sleep or have to go to work because that is taking away my G time. The "American Skyline" is a superb machine and was my choice over a Subaru WRX STI and the Evolution 8. Both cars may be a bit quicker, but there arent words to describe the feeling you get when you drive the G35. The handling is great at above average speeds and acceleration is remarkable. I would only buy this car in a manual for the simple fact that I dont think you can get the full effect of it in an auto or auto-stick. Great buy for the money.

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  Personal Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By P Buong - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The reason I looked at and bought the G35 sedan was the price,looks and handling of the car. I also wanted a rear wheel drive which I believe makes for better handling. I am very happy with the car and would recomend it. It is one of the best cars I ever own.

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  Love my G - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LoveMyG - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I was looking to replace my 97 4Runner and my son told me about this car. I started researching and just fell in love with the G35. Its sure is the best car that Ive owned so far.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By df0034 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last year and have been very happy with it ever since. It handles very very well, the exterior design is stunning and torque is out of this world. I wished it were a little better on fuel economy but with that much power its reasonable. Overall, very satisfied.

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  My grown-up ride - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ron Fields - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned two 300ZXs from Nissan. The first bought in 1984 and the second in 1988 and kept for 12 years without a mechanical problem. When the 350ZX was announced, I was in line and waiting. When the Infiniti G35 coupe was announced, I moved to that in part to justify my maturity. I was rewarded with a fantastic ride. The fit and finish is super, styling is a head- turner. The G35 coupe has a softer ride than the 350ZX, allowing your kidneys a little peace. The rear wheel drive is right for a performance car. The 280 hp engine is smooth through hard acceleration, and silent at speed. .